First Amendment Museum

It's Sunshine Week -- a national initiative that highlights the importance of open government, transparency and access to public information! ??We celebrate this week alongside the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition. James Madison’s birthday marks the first day of Sunshine Week on March 16, as he was widely recognized as a key advocate for open government and the First Amendment. Transparency is fundamental to the health and vitality of democracy, along with our First Amendment Freedoms. Learn more by taking this virtual tour: https://lnkd.in/eHzMfKq6

During Women's History Month, we proudly honor the original Gannett house resident and Maine suffrage movement trailblazer Anne Macomber Gannett. As President of the Augusta Women's Suffrage Association, she played a pivotal role in securing women's right to vote in Maine. Anne's leadership extended to the Republican Party, where she became the first woman to serve on the National Republican Committee. Learn more about the legacy of Anne Macomber Gannett: https://lnkd.in/e92iWddc

Nonprofit Lobby Day at the State House was a great opportunity to discuss challenges facing our community. We talked to legislators about our initiatives and connected with other nonprofit organizations in Maine. Learn more about our mission and our local as well as national impact: https://lnkd.in/e7nQcdjg

Thank you for your thoughtful review, John! ?? We are happy to provide customizable classroom presentations with our virtual field trips. Learn more today: https://lnkd.in/gbjBFech

Remi has been enjoying long winter naps. ?? Despite his relaxed state, there is a lot happening at the First Amendment Museum! To stay in the loop, make sure you're on our email list to receive seasonal updates about the museum, its exhibits and, of course, Remi and Miss Liberty. Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/eXSWwneW

Did you know that the Gannett House — now home to the First Amendment Museum — has a deep connection to Maine’s suffrage movement? Anne Gannett, a former resident and wife of Guy P. Gannett, was a leader in the fight for women’s right to vote in Augusta, Maine. As we honor Women’s History Month, we celebrate trailblazers like Anne Gannett who fought tirelessly for equality and expanded our First Amendment freedoms. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eVzv5dW9

Have you been taking advantage of the educational opportunities we provided during Black History Month? If so, see how much information you retained by taking our quiz. If you want to learn more about Black History Month, this quiz is a great opportunity to do so! https://lnkd.in/e973SjTT

In Burstyn v. Wilson (1952), the Supreme Court ruled that films are a form of expression deserving constitutional protection — striking down censorship of "The Miracle," which the state of New York had deemed sacrilegious. ?? What’s a movie that made you think differently? Drop it in the comments! Learn more about the history of Freedom of Speech and the four other First Amendment Freedoms: https://lnkd.in/e4sz7wKe

We celebrate John Lewis on his birthday today and remember his legacy each day. ??A fearless leader in the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis dedicated his life to the fight for justice, equality and voting rights. From marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday to serving in Congress for over three decades, he never stopped making good trouble. Learn more about John Lewis and his legacy: https://lnkd.in/e2_bnc6Y

Happy Birthday, Audre Lorde! ?? Lorde believed in the power of words to ignite change: “I have a duty to speak the truth as I see it.” Today and throughout Black History Month, we celebrate her legacy of resistance, empowerment and revolutionary love. Read her poetry: https://lnkd.in/eTQJ-nvX